How to Grow Muscadine Grapes From Seed

The muscadine grape (​Vitis rotundifolia​, USDA hardiness zones 5-9) is a fruit-producing vine that is indigenous to areas throughout the Southeastern United States. Muscadine grape vines are one of easiest-to-grow varieties for the home garden since they are both disease- and pest-resistant. They can be eaten raw, or used in making jams, jellies, juice and wine.

The University of Florida IFAS Extension reminds that although muscadine grapes are easily propagated by seed, this will produce plants that are genetically dissimilar and will not yield plants or fruit true from seed. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension notes that muscadines are best propagated with softwood cuttings or layering, two asexual propagation techniques that produce true-to-type plants.

Step 1: Remove the Seeds

Cut the muscadine grapes in half using a sharp knife. Remove the muscadine seeds from the pulp of each grape. Set the clean muscadine grape seeds onto a paper towel to dry overnight.

Step 2: Sow the Seeds

Fill up 6-inch pots with enough potting mix until each is full to within approximately 1/2 from the top of the rim. Poke a 1/4 inch deep hole in the center of each of the 6-inch pots. Sow 2 muscadine seeds in each of the 1/4 inch deep holes.

Step 3: Keep Potting Mix Moist

Cover up each of the muscadine seeds with 1/4 inch of potting mix. Place each of the 6-inch pots where it will remain above 60 degrees F. Provide indirect light for 8 to 10 hours a day. Keep the soil in the 6-inch pots moist, but never drippy wet. Germination of muscadine grape seeds can begin in 2 to 3 weeks or require as long as 6 months to one year. Transplant the muscadine grape vines once they are 6 to 8 inches tall.

Step 4: Prepare the Planting Site

Choose a sun-filled area for planting the muscadine grape vines. Dig holes for the muscadine grape vines that are between 10 and 20 feet apart in rows that are at a minimum of 8 feet apart.

Step 5: Remove Seedlings From Pots

Turn the growing containers on their side and use a trowel to tap along the rim to remove the muscadine grapes vines from their growing containers.

Step 6: Transplant the Seedlings

Plant one muscadine grape vine per planting hole. Set the muscadine grape vines so they are level with the soil surface. Scoop in soil to fill the planting holes full of soil.

Step 7: Keep Transplants Well-Watered

Water each of the muscadine grape vines with approximately 1 gallon of water. Plan on watering the muscadine grape vines if there is less than 30 inches of rainfall for the year and if there are dry spells lasting longer than 60 days. Provide 2-gallons of water per muscadine grape vine during the first year, all subsequent years provide 12 gallons of water per vine.

Step 8: Fertilize the Seedlings

Spread 1/4 pound of 10-10-10 fertilizer approximately 2 weeks after planting. Keep the fertilizer 12 to 14 inches away from each of the muscadine grape vines. Do this every 6 weeks until the middle of summer (July). Double the amount of fertilizer the second year of growth and apply it during the months of March, May and July as recommended by the North Caroline State Extension.